Returning an item.....international mail and the seller says he hasnt gotten it

[shuffer]

I have opened a claim with paypal but there is not an option for this.  I bought a ring through paypal and the seller is nice and cooperative.  I said I needed to return it and he was fine with that, asking me to not use custom. The USPS asked me what it was and I told them and filled out the forms and returned the item to Canada with a customs number.  It has been 6 weeks and the ring is no where to be found.  This is not the sellers   fault I understand but it is not mine either.  Paypal has suspended the payment.  Any suggestions?  USPS tells me that Canada customs take a long time but this is crazy.  Anyone have similar experience?

[rmarso]

I had similar claim from an international buyer of not receiving an item that I shipped via USPS flat rate service.

This service does not provide a tracking number. The item was insured. I called USPS and initiated an investigation.

It took almost 3 weeks but they confirmed that it was delivered to the international address.

[surplusdealdude]

I think this "nice" seller may have scammed you.

I don't like the idea that they asked you "not to use custom", which I take to mean they asked you not to use Delivery Confirmation.  They may actually have the ring back and may not be admitting it - it's a new scam out of China that's gaining traction in North America.

What they don't know is that USPS customs numbers can sometimes be tracked through Canada Post.

Try inputting the customs number here;

http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/default.jsf

and see what it says.